Wenger understands fan reaction

Arsene Wenger admitted he can understand the frustrations of Arsenal's fans after things did not go all their own way in a 3-1 win over Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Despite sweeping into the lead through Tomas Rosicky after just 12 minutes, Arsenal were frustrated for long spells by a determined City side who levelled through DaMarcus Beasley. But a brilliant 25-yard strike from Cesc Fabregas and Julio Baptista's effort wrapped up the win.

At times, Gunners fans got on their sides' backs, but Wenger said: "The crowd does not irritate me, no. People coming here pay good money and sometimes they let their frustration out. People are impatient. They want to win. When we do not win as quickly as they want, they get frustrated."

He added: "It is down to us to transport them to a different world."

City boss Stuart Pearce believes the constant demand for success can prove a double-edged sword.

He said: "That is the nature of the Premiership now.

"I do not think there is a team this year that has not been booed at home at some stage. Probably Manchester United and Chelsea might be the exception, but the rest of us have all experienced it where they do not know when the next win is coming.

"Sometimes there is a bigger picture, but people pay good money."

Pearce quipped: "The next time I go to the theatre I am going to let some thespians have it. It might make me feel better and then I will claim I pay their wages when I leave."